Legislation to provide flood warnings to renters passed the Senate on a 46-3 vote on Wednesday.
SB 6237, sponsored by Sen. Jessica Bateman (D-Olympia), requires that landlords disclose to tenants and potential tenants if the property is located in a flood hazard area or an area of potential flooding, and that information about specific hazards that may affect the property is available from the county government.
“Many of us, including me, were shocked by the extent of the flooding in our state last December,” Bateman said. “Even though my district wasn’t as heavily affected, it was clear that state government needed to learn lessons and respond to protect us better for the future. One thing we can do for better housing policy is pass this bill, ensuring renters get the same notice and warning about known flood risks that someone buying a home does. That just seems fair to me.”
Current state law already requires that sellers disclose known material facts about a property to the buyer, including whether it’s located in a designated flood hazard zone or has experienced prior flooding.
The legislation only applies to leases entered into after Dec. 31, 2026. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.
